Venous Mapping & Preoperative Assessment Flashcards

What minimum diameter of the great saphenous vein (GSV) is typically required for use as a bypass conduit?

Answer: 3.0 mm

A GSV diameter of at least 3.0 mm is generally required for use as a bypass conduit to ensure adequate flow and long-term patency.

Which patient position best demonstrates GSV diameter during preoperative vein mapping?

Answer: Standing or reverse Trendelenburg

A standing or reverse Trendelenburg position uses gravity to distend the veins, giving the most accurate diameter measurements for surgical planning.

In the CEAP classification system for chronic venous disease, what does the letter 'C' represent?

Answer: Clinical signs

In CEAP, 'C' stands for Clinical signs, ranging from C0 (no visible disease) to C6 (active venous ulcer).

Which CEAP clinical class specifically describes an active venous ulcer?

Answer: C6

CEAP C6 is defined as an active venous ulcer that has not healed, while C5 indicates a healed venous ulcer.

At which anatomical junction does the small saphenous vein (SSV) typically terminate?

Answer: Saphenopopliteal junction in the popliteal fossa

The SSV most commonly terminates at the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) in the popliteal fossa, although anatomic variants are common.

Which imaging modality is the standard of care for preoperative GSV mapping prior to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)?

Answer: Duplex ultrasound

Duplex ultrasound is the standard for GSV mapping because it provides real-time diameter assessment, compressibility testing, and skin-marking of the vein course without radiation or contrast.

Which duplex ultrasound finding indicates an incompetent perforating vein?

Answer: Outward flow lasting >0.5 seconds upon release of calf compression

Outward (deep-to-superficial) flow lasting more than 0.5 seconds following release of calf compression indicates perforator incompetence.